Cable or DSL modem for broadband access, network interface cards on both computers, the desktop generally will have a wired network card, laptop may have both wired RJ45 and a wireless, next is an 'internet router, made by dlink, netgear, smc, linksys. They come as just wired [generally 5 ports, 1 for the modem, WAN, to plug into and 4 for pc's, LAN] or as wired and wireless. The wired/wireless are the better way to go, it will only be a matter of time till wireless is built into desktop motherboards. Personally I prefer the SMC7004 or SMC7008abr's because they have a built in printserver that you can plug a parrellel printer into and use it for all printing. You need to find out what hardware you have to determine what you need.